Stereotype as Gay Man as Best Friend

Our discussion and the examples from Will and Grace in class on Wednesday were interesting and through provoking. Not surprisingly, when many of my friends from home found out I was going to NYU they couldn't wait to hear about all my new gay best friends I would be making within the coming months. I think this combination of straight female with a close gay male is particularly prevalent at NYU probably because of the higher percentage of females to males at the school, the setting and atmosphere, and the higher percentage of gay males at the school. Having a gay friend is great if the relationship is genuine and real, however, many of the girls I have come across at NYU are clearly seeking out gay males as friend because they want to fill that stereotype about the school and urban life. For example, one of my best friends here is a gay male, but I can honestly say he is my friend because I love him as a person and it wouldn't matter if he were straight, gay, bisexual or even a girl. I would still love him for his character and qualities, not his sexual orientation. Unfortunately, the media has constructed this relationship in society, which brings forth many other stereotypes about both gay men and straight women. For example, there is the stereotype from "The Devil Wears Prada" that all gay men are style-savvy and love shopping when Nigel helps Anne Hathaway's character choose outfits and transform herself. There is also the stereotype of women always needing a man (whether he is gay or not nonetheless) to help her in times of need or when she is feeling particularly insecure. In addition, in the show "Gossip Girl" Eric has an on and off friendship with Jenny. Although this boy is not even seen as a super flamboyant and feminized gay male he is still always coming to Jenny's rescue and comforting her/giving her advice. Of course this is the role of a friend at times, however, there is the overarching theme of the female in distress as the male rushes to her side. Perhaps one of the most interesting examples of gay best friend that also combines falling in love is that of Christian in the movie Clueless. Cher believes Christian is perfect. He is sensitive, loyal, dependable and most important.....loves to shop! It all seems too good to be true. Eventually Cher realizes that Christian her crush is gay and surprise; he turns out to be her gay friend for the rest of the movie. Ultimately, all these stereotypes as gay men being best friends of women in the media construct certain depictions that lead to assumptions of both straight women and gay men. Perhaps if the media did not construct these social situations actual social relationships would be different.

Nigel helping Andrea to "transform" herself with his expertise shopping skills.

Jenny alongside her on and off gay male best friend (and step brother)

Cher with her soon to be announced gay crush Christian.